Symbolic Link (Symlink) Attack
A symbolic link (symlink) attack is a type of cybersecurity threat that allows an attacker to exploit a vulnerability in a computer system’s file handling processes. Symlinks are shortcuts that point to other files or directories, and they can be created by users with certain permissions. In a symlink attack, the attacker creates a symlink pointing to a sensitive file, such as a root-level system file or a user’s authentication credentials, and then tricks the system into following the symlink instead of the intended file.
This can happen when a user or application attempts to access the vulnerable file or directory, and the system follows the symlink to the attacker-controlled file instead. This can allow the attacker to bypass access controls and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources.
To prevent symlink attacks, system administrators can configure their systems to restrict users from creating symlinks in certain directories or limit the permissions of users who are able to create symlinks. Additionally, developers can use secure file handling practices, such as validating user input and ensuring that filepaths are properly resolved, to reduce the risk of symlink attacks in their applications.